Ray's Boathouse

Reserve

Ray's Boathouse Review

The view of Shilshole Bay might be the big draw here, but the seafood is also fresh and well prepared. Perennial favorites include broiled salmon, Kasu sake-marinated cod, Dungeness crab, and regional oysters on the half shell. Ray's has a split personality: there's a fancy dining room downstairs (reservations essential) and a casual café and bar upstairs (reservations not accepted). In warm weather you can sit on the deck outside the café and watch fishing boats, tugs, and pleasure craft floating past. Be forewarned that during happy hour (or early-bird special time) in high season, the café's service can suffer greatly because of the crowds. Sure, it's touristy, but snagging a spot on the sun-drenched balcony here after an afternoon spent exploring the Ballard Locks is quintessential Seattle summertime fun.